Stephen Amell to Lead Fox Reboot of Lifeguard Drama

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Stephen Amell Lands Lead Role in Fox’s “Baywatch” Reboot

After much anticipation, it has been confirmed that Stephen Amell will be taking on a lead role in Fox’s upcoming “Baywatch” reboot. This news comes as the first official casting announcement for the series, which is set to premiere during the 2026-2027 broadcast season with a 12-episode order. Production is scheduled to kick off this spring in Los Angeles following an open casting call on Feb. 18.

Amell will be portraying the character of Hobie Buchannon, described as the “wild child we all loved from the original series” who is now a Baywatch Captain following in his father Mitch’s legendary footsteps. The official character description teases a new twist in Hobie’s life as his long-lost daughter, Charlie, arrives on his doorstep with dreams of becoming a Baywatch lifeguard alongside her father.

This role keeps Amell firmly rooted in the broadcast world, following his recent stint as the lead in the short-lived “Suits” spinoff “Suits LA” on NBC. With his notable portrayal of Oliver Queen in the hit CW series “Arrow” spanning eight seasons, Amell has proven his ability to carry complex characters with ease. His diverse credits also include the Starz pro wrestling drama “Heels” and the films “Code 8 Parts 1 & 2.”

Excited about Amell’s casting, series showrunner Matt Nix expressed his confidence in the actor’s ability to bring the necessary heart, intensity, and hero energy to the new chapter of “Baywatch.” Nix praised Amell’s talent for seamlessly navigating between danger, emotional depth, and fun, setting the stage for an exciting journey ahead.

The original “Baywatch” series, which premiered in 1989 on NBC before transitioning to syndication for its successful 11-season run, boasted an ensemble cast that included David Hasselhoff as Mitch Buchannon. The show’s global popularity led to spinoffs like “Baywatch Nights” and a 2017 feature film starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Zac Efron.

Executive produced by Nix, McG, Michael Berk, Greg Bonann, and others, the “Baywatch” reboot is a joint venture between Fox Entertainment and Fremantle. McG is set to direct the series premiere, promising a fresh take on the iconic lifeguard drama that captured audiences worldwide.

As fans eagerly await the revival of this beloved series, Amell’s casting marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for “Baywatch” and a promising start for the talented actor in this iconic role.